Obituary of Arvel Matson

Arvel O. Matson of Cambridge went to meet his Lord and Savior Monday March 3rd, 2014 at the age of 78. Arvel was born May 31st, 1935 in Dalbo MN to Otto and Freda Matson. He was the youngest of three children growing up on the family farm, where he first gained his love for the outdoors. He attended Whittier School for grades 1-8, and went on to graduate from Cambridge High School in 1953. He went right to work after high school at Brown & Bigelow, where he worked for the next 42 years as a foreman. Arvel was united in marriage to Arlene Brown of Anoka, on March 29th, 1958. To this union three children were born Tami, Jeff, and Jill. They made their home in Fridley for eight years, and then moved to Cambridge in 1967, where Arvel resided at the time of his death. Arvel embraced the outdoors throughout his life hunting and fishing with his father as a child and later building his cabin on Big Island Lake together in the mid 60's. The cabin was the center for many family activities. It was where Arvel taught and shared his love for fishing, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, wood working, exploring, and just being together. Arvel had many interests he enjoyed with his beloved wife of 49 years, which included, antique collecting, home improvements, gospel music, following their children's sporting events, and spending time with their two granddaughters. Arvel had a special place in his heart for stray cats, especially his ol "Blue Eyes". He is preceded in death by his wife Arlene, and parents Otto and Freda Matson. He is survived by his children Tami Erickson of Grandy, Jeff Matson of Cambridge, and Jill Matson of Cambridge; grandchildren Andrea and Kimberly Erickson of Grandy; sisters Verona Matson and Ardene Matson both of Columbia Heights; sisters-in-law Betty (Larry) Routt of La Habra CA, Elaine Hecker of Plymouth; brothers-in-law Dwight (Marion) Brown of Hastings, Gene (Julie) Brown of Champlin, and Elwyn (Thelma) Brown of Columbia Heights.